Biden blames international travel for poor debate performance, says he nearly 'fell asleep on stage'

ByIsabella Murray and Cheyenne Haslett ABCNews logo
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
First Dem rep calls on Biden to withdraw as Democratic nominee
Texas Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett broke with President Joe Biden on Tuesday, calling on him to withdraw as Democratic nominee following the president's debate performance.

At a campaign fundraiser in McLean, Virginia, on Tuesday evening, President Joe Biden -- for the first time -- attributed his poor debate performance last week to the amount of foreign travel he did in June, according to pool notes.

"I decided to travel around the world a couple of times," he said, referring to recent trips, including his visit to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

"I didn't listen to my staff," he continued, adding he nearly "fell asleep on stage."

Biden also apologized, saying he was sorry for the performance but stressed that it was "critical" to win the election.

MORE | President Joe Biden to sit down with ABC News on Friday for first interview since debate

President Joe Biden will sit down with ABC News on Friday for his first television interview since last week's presidential debate.
President Joe Biden will sit down with ABC News on Friday for his first television interview since last week's presidential debate.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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